Impact of Covid-19 on SMEs in the LDC Markets


Largest survey looking at the impact of Covid-19 on SMEs across all 47 of the Least Developed Countries with 2,300+ responses collected from July 1 to August 21, 2020.

Will serve as a baseline for SMEs in LDCs to be able to track their progress and recovery in the future.

Identify effectiveness of SME relief measures and establish best practices and policy innovations to help governments and stakeholders navigate Covid-19 and future disruptions.

Will help with planning, resource allocation, programme improvement, and policy making for the LDCs during the Covid-19 recovery period.

Business Profiles

LDC SME businesses tend to have fewer than 100 employees and to be sole propietorships.

The countries surveyed are unique in having a strong presence of female-owned and female-led businesses.

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Countries Surveyed

Note: Country-specific information for countries with < 10 responses are not shown for privacy reasons.

Responses

Expected Revenue Change


Most Critical Business Challenges Reported


Expected Timeframe Businesses Predict Being Able to Stay Open


Support Received from the Government to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19


Impact of COVID-19

SMEs have suffered significant reduction in business capacity and many have had to lay-off staff.

Self-reported expected revenue changes ranged from expected decreases of > -30% to expected increases of > 30%.